Man can't work for three weeks, runs short

Holiday donations

For 16 years, Aaron had worked hard for his company, but never realized his employer would close for three weeks during the holidays.

Aaron had set aside some money for a rainy day, but it wasn't quite enough and he lacked $100 to pay his rent. It was Christmas, and he needed a quick cash gift from someone.

A local agency referred Aaron to the Athens Banner-Herald Empty Stocking Fund, where he received $100 to help pay his rent.

The purpose of the fund is to assist local people who cannot be reached by other charities or need more aid than those charities can provide. All recipients have been referred to the Empty Stocking Fund by area agencies.

The total raised to date by the Athens Banner-Herald Empty Stocking Fund is $46,281.97. A list of this week's donors will appear in Sunday's Athens Banner-Herald.

The Empty Stocking fundraising campaign is held during the holidays, but the money collected is not used for toys or gifts, and readers may donate throughout the year.